Mission and Philosophy
Mission
| The primary mission of the Department of Occupational Therapy is the
preparation of excellent, innovative, adaptable, and responsible occupational therapists as professional
leaders for the state and the nation. |
| In pursuit of this mission, the Department: |
| - Fosters student commitment to scientific inquiry and
professional competence, and promotes personal growth, balance, and dedication to lifelong learning; |
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| - Collaborates with the community through education, consultation, and the
development of strong linkages with clinical educators and the community; |
| - Interacts dynamically with the OT profession and stakeholders, contributing
proactively to the evolution of the profession; and |
| - Promotes faculty excellence and collaboration in teaching, scholarship, and
research that models integrity and competence. |
Philosophy
The Philosophy of Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Occupational
Therapy embraces the Philosophical Base of Occupational Therapy stated by the American Occupational Therapy
Association (1979):
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Man is an active being whose development is influenced by the use of
purposeful activity. Human beings are able to influence their physical and mental health and their social and physical
environment through purposeful activity. Human life is a process of continuous adaptation. Adaptation is a change in
function that promotes survival and self-actualization. Biological, psychological and environmental factors may interrupt
the adaptation process at any time throughout the life cycle, causing dysfunction. Purposeful activity facilitates the
adaptive process. Purposeful activity (occupation), including its interpersonal and environmental components, may be used
to prevent and mediate dysfunction and to elicit maximum function. Activity as used by the occupational
therapist includes both an intrinsic and a therapeutic purpose. (p. 785) |
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Reference: AOTA. (1979). The philosophical base of occupational therapy. AJOT, 33, 785.
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